Sample Activities
Planned learning experiences in
curriculum content areas
► To see sample activities and other ideas from real teachers, visit Forums in our eTools section. Look for Ideas From the Field.
Children benefit from a variety of regular group experiences in HighScope Preschool programs. These scheduled parts of the day include small-group time, large-group time, and transition times. At right are links to some sample activities for these times. These are intended as representative plans that adults can use as models as they develop their own group activities. As you are using the ideas in these samples, be sure to adapt them to the interests, developmental levels, and learning needs of the children in your group. The materials listed under "Related Products" are publications that contain additional small- and large-group activity plans.
 Using group times to introduce new materials, activities, and concepts
Small- and large-group times for preschoolers each generally last about 15 minutes. During these times, adults introduce children to new materials, ideas, and activities, which the children can then continue to explore at work time. Group times also offer social opportunities to all children. These times are unpressured, so even children who tend to be shy or solitary are comfortable interacting with others.
Planning group times that expand children's growth and learning.
HighScope teachers put thought and effort into planning group times. They use their daily observations to see what children are interested in and how they can further their explorations in these areas. Group times are also the parts of the day when learning that needs to be systematic and sequenced — such as specific skills and concepts in literacy or mathematics — can be guaranteed for all children. Transitions are the times in between the other activities. In HighScope programs, transitions are not seen as incidental. Instead, these activities too are carefully planned to provide opportunities for children to make choices, move in different ways, and learn important concepts.
Active learning during teacher-planned group activities
During all these group activities, the principles of active participatory learning continue to apply. So, even though adults plan large- and small-group times around specific content, they base them on children’s wide-ranging interests, encourage children to make choices about how they use the materials, and talk with children about what they are doing and learning.
► Do you have an innovative small-group plan that you would like to share? If so, HighScope wants to hear about it! See Share Your Activities for more information.
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